What Williams & Graham Is
Williams & Graham is a speakeasy located inside a working bookstore in Washington DC's Dupont Circle neighborhood. The bar entrance is hidden behind a false bookshelf in the back of the bookstore — you push through the shelf and enter a separate cocktail lounge. It operates as a full bar with a bartender, cocktail menu, and seating, but you have to know it exists and find the hidden door to get in.
The concept combines two separate businesses: the front is a legitimate independent bookstore selling new and used books, and the back is a cocktail bar that only reveals itself once you're inside the bookstore. There's no street-facing sign for the bar, no separate entrance, and no way to know it's there unless someone tells you or you stumble across it while browsing books.
Key Takeaways
- Williams & Graham hides a full cocktail bar behind a movable bookshelf in the back of a Dupont Circle bookstore.
- You must enter through the bookstore first — there is no separate street entrance to the bar.
- The bar serves cocktails and has its own seating area, separate from the bookstore side.
- The hidden-bar concept is the main draw; the bookstore operates normally during the day and the bar operates in the evenings.
How to Find and Enter the Bar
The bookstore itself is located at 1608 New Hampshire Avenue NW in Washington DC. You walk in through the regular bookstore entrance during business hours. Once inside, you navigate toward the back of the shop where the books are shelved. The false bookshelf that conceals the bar entrance is in the rear section — it looks like part of the regular shelving but is actually a door.
You push or pull the shelf (staff can point you in the right direction if you ask), and it swings open to reveal the bar entrance. On the other side is a separate room with its own bar counter, seating, and cocktail service. The bar side is dimly lit and has a different atmosphere from the bright bookstore out front.
There is no reservation system or membership requirement — you straightforward find the shelf and enter. However, the space is small, so it can reach capacity during busy evenings. If you arrive during a crowded time, you may have to wait or come back later.
What to Expect Inside the Bar
The bar serves craft cocktails made by a bartender on duty. The menu changes seasonally and features both classic cocktails and house specialties. Prices are typical for a craft cocktail bar in Washington DC — expect to pay $12 to $16 per drink, though prices may vary. The bar also serves beer and wine if you prefer something simpler.
The space is intimate and small, with limited seating. It's designed to feel like a private or exclusive space, which is part of the appeal. The lighting is low, the music is usually quiet, and the overall vibe is more sophisticated lounge than casual bar. It's a place to sit, drink, and talk rather than a high-energy party venue.
Food is not served in the bar itself, but you can bring snacks or food from the bookstore side if you want. Some people browse the bookstore, buy a book, then move to the bar to read and drink.
Hours and Timing
The bookstore operates during standard retail hours, typically opening in the morning and closing in the evening. The bar operates during evening hours only — it does not open during the day. Exact hours vary by day of the week and season, so it's worth checking ahead before you visit.
Weekends tend to be busier than weekdays, and the bar may reach capacity more quickly. If you're planning to visit, early evening (right when the bar opens) is usually less crowded than later in the night.
Why People Visit
The main draw is the novelty and exclusivity of the hidden bar concept. It's a conversation piece — the idea of a secret cocktail bar hidden inside a bookstore appeals to people looking for something unusual in a city with many ordinary bars. The fact that there's no sign, no obvious entrance, and no way to know it exists unless you're told creates a sense of discovery.
The bookstore-bar combination also attracts people who like both books and cocktails. You can spend time browsing, buy something to read, then settle in at the bar with a drink. It's a quieter, more thoughtful alternative to a typical nightlife venue.
Practical Details Before You Go
Bring a valid ID if you plan to drink alcohol — the bar checks IDs at entry. The space is small and can get crowded, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, so arrive early if you want a seat. The bar is cash-friendly but also takes cards.
The bookstore side is open to the public whether or not you visit the bar, so you can browse books without any obligation to drink. The bar is a separate business within the same space, so you only pay for what you order there.
Parking in Dupont Circle can be tight, so consider using public transportation or a rideshare service. The location is accessible by Metro (Red Line to Dupont Circle station) and is walkable from surrounding neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know someone or have a membership to get in?
No. The bar is open to anyone who can find the hidden bookshelf and enter. There is no membership, no password, and no reservation required. You straightforward push through the shelf and order a drink.
What if I can't find the bookshelf?
Ask a staff member in the bookstore. They know where it is and can point you to it. There's no embarrassment in asking — many first-time visitors need directions.
Can I make a reservation or call ahead?
The bar does not take reservations. You show up and enter if there's space. For large groups, calling ahead to ask about capacity is a reasonable idea, though the bar may not hold a table.
Is there a dress code?
There is no strict dress code, but the atmosphere is upscale and sophisticated. Casual clothing is fine, but very casual or athletic wear may feel out of place. Use your judgment based on the vibe you're going for.
Can I buy books and bring them to the bar?
Yes. Many people browse the bookstore, purchase a book, and then move to the bar to read and drink. It's part of the experience.